wake low 20140430

Wake Low Event of April 30 2014 Results in Widespread Downed Trees and Powerlines

A weather phenomenon known as a “wake low” occurred during the morning and early afternoon hours of April 30 due to a strongly organized cluster of thunderstorms along the northern Gulf coast. The storms tracking across southern Alabama and northern Florida essentially robbed upstream moisture and instability from much of Georgia, which squelched the severe and flash flooding threats previously thought to develop across the northern part of the state overnight. While this was a positive turn of events for parts of the north, much of the area along and south of Atlanta to Athens experienced strong gusty winds of 40-50 mph through the morning and into midday (see table below of highest recorded values). This was due to the lowering pressure in the wake of the storms that was in-turn strengthening the gradient winds from the south (see image below). This wake low event resulted in numerous downed trees and powerlines with some structures and cars receiving damage (see pictures below). The already wet soil only exacerbated the potential for uprooting trees. Unfortunately one fatality occurred from a tree falling on a car. A list of links to some related news articles is provided at the bottom of the page.

Location	Max Wind (mph)	Time (EDT)
Atlanta Airport	51	4:32 AM
Peachtree City Airport	48	5:37 AM
Athens Airport	44	7:28 AM
LaGrange	44	5:15 AM
Cordele	44	12:15 PM
Thomaston	43	7:55 AM
Flint River WMA	43	12:05 PM
Newnan	41	3:35 AM
Warner Robins AFB	41	10:31 AM
Eastman	41	1:55 PM
Souther Field Airport	41	11:30 AM

Marietta

Athens

Athens (Courtesy of 11Alive)

Athens

(Courtesy of AJC)

Putnam County